Neal J. Lamm , age 83 of Rock City, IL, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 10, 2018. He was born on July 25, 1934; the son of the late Karl and Charlotte (Koester) Lamm. He was a 1953 graduate of Aquin High School. Neal served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. On May 26, 1956, Neal married Eleanor Gorham.

He was an owner/operator semi-tanker driver, driving gas trucks for Kaney Transportation Inc., PetroLink and later retired from Klemm Tank Lines.

He was a dedicated husband and father. As his children were growing up they enjoyed going camping and fishing. Later he volunteered as a chaperone for the Dakota Marching Indians. Neal served his community in many ways. He was a Rock City Village Board trustee, helping establish the Tri-District Ambulance, establishing the Rock City Park, and many other projects. Neal was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church at Irish Grove where he served as a lector and usher; working to maintain and improve the church.

Neal served on the Rock City Fire Department for over 50 years; 12 of those years as Fire Chief. The fire department was a second family to him. Neal was a self-taught hammered dulcimer player. He enjoyed music and played with several groups throughout the area. After retirement, he bought a travel trailer and enjoyed trips to Texas with his wife for the past 22 years. He also enjoyed woodworking, making many gifts for his grandchildren and custom projects.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor of Rock City; children, Kevin (Sally Baker) Lamm of Freeport, IL, Christy (Ron) Fry of Dakota, IL, Andy (Jonna) Lamm of Rock City, and Cecelia Brinkmeier of Dakota; grandchildren, Emily Marcum, Amy (Chad) Hancock, Kelsey (Kris Rottmuller) Lamm, Jill (Jason) Fransen, Anne (Shaun) Gallagher, Meghan Fry, Matthew (Danielle) Lamm, Timothy Lamm, Ashley (Dan) Drouare, John Karl (Kristin Robinson) Lamm, and Joe Fry; great grandchildren, Zoe Klenz, Boden Fransen, Asher Fransen, Charlotte Gallagher, Liam Gallagher, Daniel Doruare, Emma Doruare, and Violet Gallagher; brother, Theodore "Ted" Lamm of Florida; sister, Charlene (Glenn) Frank of Morrison, IL;  and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan Zumbragel; and brother-in-law, Fred Zumbragel.